Independent housebuilder Dandara has secured planning for 104 new affordable homes in Lower Herne, Kent, in partnership with Places for People.
Previously a greenfield site used as farmland, the development will deliver a mix of shared ownership, social rent and affordable rent properties.
Initial infrastructure works are set to begin later this year, with the spine road to the entrance already complete.
The development forms part of the wider Lower Herne strategic site, which benefits from outline planning consent for 800 new homes in total.
Dandara will build the 104 affordable homes for Places for People, which will include a range of two, three and four bedroom properties, with the first handovers expected in early 2026.
All homes will be powered by Air Source Heat Pumps and delivered using a fabric-first approach, with larger windows to reduce reliance on artificial lighting and help cut energy consumption.
David Garrett, managing director at Dandara South East, said: “As we partner with Places for People to provide the local community with affordable housing options, we are proud to take meaningful steps toward building a future where efficient, quality homes are accessible to all.
“This is our first site across the South East region offering 100% affordable homes, and one of the first to be designed with more advanced features. It reflects our commitment to not only increasing the supply of affordable housing, but also raising the standard for sustainable living.”
Dandara will provide bespoke elevations from its standard house types, with homes featuring weatherboard, tile hanging, brickwork and chimneys.
Ideally located to nearby amenities, Herne Bay and the beach are less than a 10-minute drive away, the local Co-Op is 1.5 miles away and further convenience stores are 1.9 miles from the site. Herne Bay Football club is located 1.5 miles and there are six different schools within a 2.5-mile radius of the homes in Lower Herne.
Sammie Steele, regional managing director for Greater London at Places for People, said: “This is another milestone for what will be a bustling community in Lower Herne. The new homes, being delivered by our partner Dandara, add to the 63 affordable homes we launched in winter 2024.
“Through the strength of our partnerships, we build places that work for local people at the pace needed. At PfP, we’re dedicated to creating communities where friends and families can grow and stay connected.
“But this community won’t just be about the homes; we’re working with local partners to ensure it has the local infrastructure it needs, and we are committed to keeping nature on our customers’ doorsteps through the landscaping of acres of open green space.”
